Feed question...a feed.

[huntsman]

I have four week old chicks and was recommended Starter Crumble as a feed. Unfortunately this has run out, and all I can find locally is Starter Mash.

Is this just as good, or do the chicks need the crumble?

 

[Cindiloohoo]

If it is fine grain and they can eat it it is okay for them. What is the protein percentage? You need at least 20%.

 

[huntsman]

Thanks for the quick reply -

I'm confused though, as both are called Starter on the packets...! Most confusing...

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Probably the same just different brands I guess. I have never even seen anything called Mash around here. It's either crumbles or pellets. My grandma calls the crumbles "mash", so I guess it's the same

 

[huntsman]

Ah ok...

These crumbles look like a cookie has been crunched up by hand, whereas the mash is a much finer powder. Hope that paints a better picture?

I guess they're as good as one another, but don't want to take the chance without checking...

 

[ziggywiggy]

Mash is finer than crumbles. The starter I feed from walmart is mash. I don't know what they call it but it's mash. I'd think mash would be better as a starter than crumbles. It's easier to digest.

 

[Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay]

Quote:
Actually it is just the opposite!

The pelleting/crumblizing process changes the structure of the starches in the grain portion of the feed to improve the digestiblity of the feed.

Jim

 

[ziggywiggy]

Lazy J Farms Feed & Hay :

Quote:
Actually it is just the opposite!

The pelleting/crumblizing process changes the structure of the starches in the grain portion of the feed to improve the digestiblity of the feed.

Jim

Good point I didn't know that but, can't you make mash out of crummbles? The starter mash I feed looks like it has been processed as opposed to the laying mash I buy once in a while as a treat which looks like finely ground grain.​

 

[huntsman]

Shall I hunt the crumbles down, then??

 

[ziggywiggy]

Quote:
I don't think it matters. I've used both with absolutely no problems and when you think about it, people were grinding grains into mash long before crumbles and pellets. I do however, prefer Purina starter crumbles, mainly because I've had good results from all their poultry feeds. The only small concern I would have is changing brands without a transition period.